OLU MAINTAIN: Nigerian Singer, Songwriter and Music Executive

Olu Maintain 

Olu Maintain is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and music executive best known for his 2007 smash hit Yahooze, a song that defined an era in Nigerian pop culture. With his stylish persona, catchy hooks, and business-driven approach to music, Olu Maintain became one of the most recognizable figures in Afrobeats during the late 2000s.

Early Life and Background

Olu Maintain was born Olumide Edwards Adegbulu on July 19, 1976, in Lagos State, Nigeria. He grew up in a close-knit family and developed a passion for music at a young age. Raised partly in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, Olu was exposed to diverse musical influences including hip-hop, R&B, reggae, and Afropop.

His early exposure to both Nigerian and international sounds would later shape his style an energetic blend of Afrobeats, dancehall, and hip-hop swagger. Music was not just a hobby for him; it was a calling that would eventually define his career.

Formation of Maintain

Before becoming a solo superstar, Olu Maintain started out in a group called Maintain, which he formed with his cousin, Tolu Maintain. The duo gained attention in the early 2000s with their hit song I Catch a Cold. The track became popular for its smooth rhythm and romantic lyrics, establishing the group as rising stars in Nigeria’s growing music scene.

However, the group later disbanded, and Olu Maintain decided to pursue a solo career. This decision marked a turning point in his life and would eventually lead to his biggest breakthrough.

The Yahooze Era

In 2007, Olu Maintain released Yahooze, a song that would change everything. The track became an instant hit across Nigeria and beyond. Its catchy beat, flamboyant dance moves, and street-inspired lyrics made it one of the biggest songs of the year.

Yahooze was more than just a song; it became a cultural movement. The dance style associated with it was performed at parties, clubs, and events nationwide. The phrase “Yahooze” entered everyday conversation, symbolizing flashy wealth and celebration.

The song’s success took Olu Maintain to international stages. He performed at major concerts and events, including a widely talked-about performance in London where he reportedly sprayed large sums of money on stage an act that further cemented his reputation as a bold and extravagant entertainer.

Music Career and Other Projects

Following the massive success of Yahooze, Olu Maintain released other songs and projects that kept him relevant in the Nigerian music industry. Some of his notable tracks include:

Nawti

Hypnotize Me

Oya Dancia

Catch Cold (with Maintain)

Although none matched the explosive impact of Yahooze, they reinforced his brand as a stylish and energetic performer.

Olu Maintain is also known for his entrepreneurial spirit. He has been involved in music production and business ventures behind the scenes. He founded Kentro World Entertainment, a platform that has supported music and creative projects.

Style and Influence

Olu Maintain’s style stands out for its confidence, luxury-driven image, and bold fashion choices. During his peak years, he was known for designer outfits, flashy jewelry, and high-energy performances.

He belongs to the generation of Nigerian artists who helped lay the groundwork for the global Afrobeats movement we see today. At a time when the industry was still developing its modern structure, artists like Olu Maintain were experimenting with branding, international tours, and crossover appeal.

His impact can be seen in how Nigerian pop music began embracing bigger stage productions and more daring performance styles.

Personal Life

Olu Maintain tends to keep his personal life relatively private. However, he is known to be family-oriented and values his roots. Over the years, he has spoken about the importance of growth, reinvention, and resilience in the entertainment industry.

Like many artists, he has experienced ups and downs in his career. The transition from being one of the hottest names in Nigerian music to navigating a changing industry was not always easy. However, he remains respected for his contribution to Afrobeats history.

Net Worth and Legacy

While exact figures are not publicly confirmed, Olu Maintain has earned income from music sales, performances, endorsements, and business ventures. During the peak of Yahooze, he was one of the most booked artists in Nigeria.

Today, he is often remembered as the man behind one of the most iconic Nigerian party anthems of the 2000s. His legacy is tied to a defining era in Nigerian entertainment a time when Afrobeats was transitioning into a global force.

Life Beyond the Spotlight

In recent years, Olu Maintain has maintained a lower profile compared to his peak fame years. However, he occasionally appears at events, gives interviews, and remains active in creative spaces.

His story is one of ambition, boldness, and cultural impact. From forming Maintain as a young dreamer to dominating charts with Yahooze, Olu Maintain carved his name into Nigerian music history.

Even as new generations of artists rise, his 2007 hit remains unforgettable. Whenever Yahooze plays, it brings back memories of an era defined by celebration, confidence, and larger-than-life entertainment.

Olu Maintain may not always dominate headlines today, but his contribution to Nigerian pop culture remains undeniable.